Kiev also called Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine. It is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This 1500 year old city, with a population of nearly 3 million people is distinguished for its cultural life and rich architecture.
The city is known as a green city with two botanical gardens and numerous large and small parks. The green nature of the city is probably most notable by the over grown and mostly untouched by urbanization hills on the right bank along the Dnieper river.
The centre of Kiev is on of the safest cities in the world. It has a good night out, many of the side streets off vulitsya Khreschatyk have noisy bars and the occasional club. The area around Nezalezhnosti is particularly rowdy. This city has something for everybody, from Irish pubs, cheap stag do clubs, exclusive casinos and modern clubs.
The Besarabsky Market also called Besarabka is an in door market located in the centre of Kiev at the south west end of Khreshchatyk, the main and best known street of the city. The market was built in 1910 to 1912 to the design of H Hay. This market is more commonly used by local kyivens to buy there meat, flowers, fruit and alcohol.
The first under ground mall, which is called Globus, was only built a few years ago.
Independence Square Maidan Nezalezhnosti is the city's main square and one of the most popular places for meetings. Ukraines independence movement, from Moscow, began in this square when hundreds of university students went on a hunger strike in 1989, which led to the demise of the Communist Party in Ukraine.
The city has a number of excellent drama theatres and music houses for classical music, and ballet. Around 30 altogether. There is also a professional puppetry on Sagajdatshnij street for the kids.
St Vladimirs Cathedral took 34 years to build. It took many changes in planning, dismissal of several architects and lots of artists to complete the construction of this beautiful cathedral. It was officially consecrated in the presence of Tsar Nikolay II in 1896. The interior walls are covered with paintings from various artists, from outside the bright colours and strong Byzantium style make St. Vladimir truly eye-catching.
The Ukrainian National Opera was built in 1856 and burnt down 40 years later and there was a competition for new design. Viktor Shreter from Petersburg won and built the Renaissance style theatre in 1901. Many famous artists have performed here.
